Integrative metabolome and transcriptome analysis characterized methyl jasmonate-elicited flavonoid metabolites of Blumea balsamifera.

As a commonly used medicinal plant, the flavonoid metabolites of Blumea balsamifera and their association with genes are still elusive. In this study, the total flavonoid content (TFC), flavonoid metabolites and biosynthetic gene expression patterns of B. balsamifera after application of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were scrutinized. The different concentrations of exogenous MeJA increased the TFC of B. balsamifera leaves after 48 h of exposure, and there was a positive correlation between TFC and the elicitor concentration. A total of 48 flavonoid metabolites, falling into 10 structural classes, were identified, among which flavones and flavanones were predominant. After screening candidate genes by transcriptome mining, the comprehensive analysis of gene expression level and TFC suggested that FLS and MYB may be key genes that regulate the TFC in B. balsamifera leaves under exogenous MeJA treatment. This study lays a foundation for elucidating flavonoids of B. balsamifera, and navigates the breeding of flavonoid-rich B. balsamifera varieties.

Transcriptome analysis revealed the role of moderate exogenous methyl jasmonate treatments in enhancing the metabolic pathway of L-borneol in the Blumea balsamifera.

Introduction: Blumea balsamifera L. (Ainaxiang) DC. is a perennial herb of the compositae family. It is also the primary source of natural borneol. Endo-borneol, the principal medical active element in B. balsamifera, is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic; enhances medicine absorption; refreshes; and is used as a spice and in cosmetic. Industrialization of B. balsamifera is limited by its low L-borneol concentration. Thus, understanding the accumulation pattern of the secondary metabolite endo-borneol and its synthesis process in secondary metabolism is critical for increasing B. balsamifera active ingredient content and cultivation efficiency. Methods: In this work, B. balsamifera was treated with varying concentrations (1.00 and 10.00 mmol/L) of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as an exogenous foliar activator. The physiological parameters and L-borneol concentration were then assessed. Transcriptome sequencing of B. balsamifera-induced leaves was used to identify key genes for monoterpene synthesis. Results: The treatment effect of 1 mmol/L MeJA was the best, and the leaves of all three leaf positions accumulated the highest L-borneol after 120 h, correspondingly 3.043 mg·g-1 FW, 3.346 mg·g-1 FW, and 2.044 mg·g-1 FW, with significant differences from the control. The main assembly produced 509,285 transcripts with min and max lengths of 201 and 23,172, respectively. DEG analysis employing volcano blots revealed 593, 224, 612, 2,405, 1,353, and 921 upregulated genes and 4, 123, 573, 1,745, 766, and 763 downregulated genes in the treatments D1_1vsCK, D1_10vsCK, D2_1vsCK, D2_10vsCK, D5_1vsCK, and D5_10vsCK. Interestingly, when exposed to MeJA treatments, the MEP pathway's unigenes express themselves more than those of the MVA route. Finally, when treated with 1 mmol/L, the genes DXR, DXS, and GPS showed increased expression over time. At the same time, a 10 mmol/L therapy resulted in elevated levels of ispH and GGPS. Discussion: Our preliminary research indicates that exogenous phytohormones can raise the level of L borneol in B. balsamifera (L.) DC when given in the appropriate amounts. The most significant discovery made while analyzing the effects of different hormones and concentrations on B. balsamifera (L.) DC was the effect of 1 mmol/L MeJA treatment.

Spatiotemporal analysis of microstructure, sensory attributes, and full-spectrum metabolomes reveals the relationship between bitterness and nootkatone in Alpinia oxyphylla miquel fruit peel and seeds.

The Alpinia oxyphylla fruit (AOF) is a popular condiment and traditional Chinese medicine in Asia, known for its neuroprotective compound nootkatone. However, there has not been a comprehensive study of its flavor or the relationship between sensory and bioactive compounds. To address this issue, we examined AOF's microstructure, flavor, and metabolomic profiles during fruit maturation. The key markers used to distinguish samples included fruit expansion, testa pigmentation, aril liquefaction, oil cell expansion, peel spiciness, aril sweetness, and seed bitterness. A full-spectrum metabolomic analysis, combining a nontargeted metabolomics approach for volatile compounds and a widely targeted metabolomics approach for nonvolatile compounds, identified 1,448 metabolites, including 1,410 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Notably, 31 DAMs, including nootkatone, were associated with spicy peel, sweet aril, and bitter seeds. Correlational analysis indicated that bitterness intensity is an easy-to-use biomarker for nootkatone content in seeds. KEGG enrichment analysis linked peel spiciness to phenylpropanoid and capsaicin biosynthesis, seed bitterness to terpenoid (especially nootkatone) biosynthesis, and aril sweetness to starch and sucrose metabolism. This investigation advances the understanding of AOF's complex flavor chemistry and underlying bioactive principle, encapsulating the essence of the adage: "no bitterness, no intelligence" within the realm of phytochemistry.

Phytocosmetic potential of Blumea balsamifera oil in mitigating UV-induced photoaging: Evidence from cellular and mouse models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (BB), the source of Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO), is an aromatic medicinal plant, renowned for its pharmacological properties and its traditional use in Southeast Asian countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines for centuries. Traditionally, BB has been used as a raw herbal medicine for treating various skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, athlete's foot, and wound healing for skin injuries. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of BBO on skin aging using two models: in vitro analysis with human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) under UVB-induced stress, and in vivo studies on UVA-induced dorsal skin aging in mice. The study sought to uncover the mechanisms behind BBO's anti-aging effects, specifically, its impact on cellular and tissue responses to UV-induced skin aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied doses of 10-20 µL/mL of BBO to HDF cells that had been exposed to UVB radiation to simulate skin aging. We measured cell viability, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), SA-ß-gal, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, we investigated the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in mediating the anti-aging effects of BBO. Histopathological and biochemical analyses were conducted in a mouse model to examine the effects of BBO on UV-induced photoaging. RESULTS: UV exposure accelerated aging, and caused cellular damage and inflammatory responses through ROS-mediated pathways. In HDF cells, BBO treatment countered the UVB-induced senescence, and the recovery of cell viability was correlated to notable reductions in SA-ß-gal, ROS, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MMPs. Mechanistically, the anti-aging effect of BBO was associated with the downregulation of the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways. In the in vivo mouse model, BBO exhibited protective capabilities against UV-induced photoaging, which were manifested by the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and tissue remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: BBO effectively protects fibroblasts from UV-induced photoaging through the JNK/NF-κB pathway. Recovery from photoaging involves an increase in dermal fibroblasts, alleviation of inflammation, accelerated synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, and slowed degradation of ECM proteins. Overall, BBO enhances the skin's defensive capabilities against oxidative stress, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related skin aging.

A comparative analysis of morphology, microstructure, and volatile metabolomics of leaves at varied developmental stages in Ainaxiang (Blumea balsamifera (Linn.) DC.).

Introduction: Ainaxiang (Blumea balsamifera (Linn.) DC.) is cultivated for the extraction of (-)-borneol and other pharmaceutical raw materials due to its abundant volatile oil. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the structural basis and composition of volatile oil accumulation in fresh B. balsamifera leaves. Methods: To address this problem, we compare the fresh leaves' morphology, microstructure, and volatile metabonomic at different development stages, orderly defined from the recently unfolded young stage (S1) to the senescent stage (S4). Results and discussion: Distinct differences were observed in the macro-appearance and microstructure at each stage, particularly in the B. balsamifera glandular trichomes (BbGTs) distribution. This specialized structure may be responsible for the accumulation of volatile matter. 213 metabolites were identified through metabolomic analysis, which exhibited spatiotemporal accumulation patterns among different stages. Notably, (-)-borneol was enriched at S1, while 10 key odor metabolites associated with the characteristic balsamic, borneol, fresh, and camphor aromas of B. balsamifera were enriched in S1 and S2. Ultra-microstructural examination revealed the involvement of chloroplasts, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and vacuoles in the synthesizing, transporting, and storing essential oils. These findings confirm that BbGTs serve as the secretory structures in B. balsamifera, with the population and morphology of BbGTs potentially serving as biomarkers for (-)-borneol accumulation. Overall, young B. balsamifera leaves with dense BbGTs represent a rich (-)-borneol source, while mesophyll cells contribute to volatile oil accumulation. These findings reveal the essential oil accumulation characteristics in B. balsamifera, providing a foundation for further understanding.

The recent progress in the research of extraction and functional applications of basil seed gum.

Basil seed gum (BSG) is a new hydrophilic colloid of natural plant origin. Extracted from basil seeds, it possesses excellent functional characteristics in terms of emulsification, rheology, gelation, stability, and adsorption, which are just as favorable as those of certain commercial gums. Besides, BSG has been widely used in food, medicine, industry, and many other fields for its physiological functions of weight reduction, detoxification, and control of blood sugar and cholesterol as a good dietary fiber. In this paper, we analyzed and discussed the extraction procedures, composition structures, functional characteristics, and modification strategies of BSG. In addition, we summarized the latest research on the applications of BSG in different industries to provide theoretical references for the high-value processing and utilization of BSG.

New paraconic acids from the endophytic fungus Xylariaceae sp. J4.

Three new paraconic acids, xylariacinics A-C (1-3), were isolated from the endophyte Xylariaceae sp. J4 harbored in the medicinal plant Blumea balsamifera. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data including HRMS, and NMR. The antibacterial efficacies of compounds 1-3 were evaluated against a panel of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Their antifungal activities were also tested against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Unfortunately, all of them were inactive.

[Comparative study on distribution of Callicarpa nudiflora by different regionalization methods].

This article is based on basic data such as field surveys and literature surveys, contrasting and analyzing the distribution of Callicarpa nudiflora by different zoning methods, different data sources, and different spatial scales. The results showed that there were certain differences in the distribution results obtained by using different methods, such as qualitative description, similar ecological environment, and niche model, to divide the distribution of the C. nudiflora, but all of them could reflect the distribution of C. nudiflora to different degrees. Among them, the qualitative description division method has certain advantages in macro guidance in a large scale. The distribution range obtained by the ecological environment similar division method is wider than that obtained by applying the qualitative description method and the niche model method. The results of the zoning of the distribution of the C. nudiflora obtained from different data sources were different. The number and representativeness of the survey data have an impact on the zoning results. Through the analysis of the distribution of different spatial scales, the ecological factors and contribution rates that affect the distribution of C. nudiflora are different in China and in the world. The comprehensive multi-source data analysis showed that C. nudiflora mainly distributed in southern coastal provinces such as Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian in China, and also in Jiangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, Gansu, Taiwan and other provinces. Globally, C. nudiflora are suitable for distribution in Southeast Asia, such as China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, etc. There are also potential distribution areas in the southern United States and Mexico.

[Genome survey and characteristic analysis of SSR in Callicarpa nudiflora].

Callicarpa nudiflora,which is a big brand of Li nationality medicine with Hainan characteristics,has the effects of dissolving stasis,hemostasis,anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. At present,there is a lack of information about the reference genome of C. nudiflora. The study of the genome size,heterozygosity rate and characteristics of SSR of C. nudiflora,can provide an effective basis for the formulation of the whole genome de novo sequencing strategy and development of SSR molecular markers of C. nudiflora. To realize this purpose,high throughput sequencing platform Illumina Hiseq was used to sequence the genome structure of C. nudiflora and K-mer analysis was applied to estimate genome size,repeat sequences and heterozygosity rate. Simple-sequence repeat( SSR) loci that are suitable as markers were identified by MISA software. The results showed the estimated genome size of C. nudiflora was 822. 43 Mb,with a 0. 85% heterozygosity rate and 71. 67% repeats,and the GC content of genome was about 49. 20%. Therefore,C. nudiflora belongs to a complex genome with high heterozygosity and repetition. SSR molecular genetic markers were analyzed in the genome sequence,and a total of 206 049 SSRs were identified,among which mono-nucleotide,di-nucleotide and tri-nucleotide repetitive motifs summed up to 198 993,accounting for 96. 57% of the total SSRs. Among the 2-6 nucleotide repeats,AT/AT,AAT/ATT,AGCC/CTGG,AAAAT/ATTTT and AGATAT/ATATCT have the largest number,respectively. This report represents the first genome-wide characterization of C. nudiflora,and provides a reference for the construction of the library for the fine sequencing of the genome,and a molecular basis for the development of SSR molecular markers as well as for the protection and utilization of gene resources.

[Secondary metabolites from Epicoccum nigrum 14one,an endophytic fungus isolated from plant Leptogium masiaticum].

Phytochemical investigation of the culture of Epicoccum nigrum,an endolichenic fungus inhabiting Leptogium masiaticum,led to the isolation of 11 compounds. Based on NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS data,their structures were determined as one alkaloid fusaricide( 1),and seven benzofuran derivatives including epicoccone( 2),4,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-methyl-1,3-dihydro isobenzofuran( 3),5-methyl-epicoccone B( 4),3,6,7-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-4-methylisobenzo furan-1( 3 H)-one( 5),3-methoxyepicoccone B( 6),2,3,4-trihydroxy-6-( hydroxymethyl)-5-methylbenzyl-alcohol( 7),and isoochracinic acid( 8),together with three epicoccolide analogs epicocconigrones A( 9),epicoccolide B( 10),and epicocconigrones B( 11). Compounds 1,9 and 10 showed potent microorganism inhibitory effects. These results indicated the potential perspective of this endophytic fungus as an eco-friendly biocide.

Phylogenetic Reconstruction and Divergence Time Estimation of Blumea DC. (Asteraceae: Inuleae) in China Based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F Sequences.

The genus Blumea is one of the most economically important genera of Inuleae (Asteraceae) in China. It is particularly diverse in South China, where 30 species are found, more than half of which are used as herbal medicines or in the chemical industry. However, little is known regarding the phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of this genus in China. We used nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F sequences to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship and estimate the divergence time of Blumea in China. The results indicated that the genus Blumea is monophyletic and it could be divided into two clades that differ with respect to the habitat, morphology, chromosome type, and chemical composition of their members. The divergence time of Blumea was estimated based on the two root times of Asteraceae. The results indicated that the root age of Asteraceae of 76-66 Ma may maintain relatively accurate divergence time estimation for Blumea, and Blumea might had diverged around 49.00-18.43 Ma. This common ancestor had an explosive expansion during the Oligocene and Miocene and two major clades were differentiated during these epochs 29.60 Ma (17.76-45.23 Ma 95% HPD (Highest Posterior Density). Evidence from paleogeography and paleoclimate studies has confirmed that Blumea experienced differentiation and an explosive expansion during the Oligocene and Miocene.

Effects and Mechanisms of Total Flavonoids from Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. on Skin Wound in Rats.

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) evolved through thousands of years of practice and was popular not only among the Chinese population, but also most countries in the world. Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. as a traditional treatment for wound healing in Li Nationality Medicine has a long history of nearly 2000 years. This study was to evaluate the effects of total flavonoids from Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. on skin excisional wound on the back of Sprague-Dawley rats, reveal its chemical constitution, and postulate its action mechanism. The rats were divided into five groups and the model groups were treated with 30% glycerol, the positive control groups with Jing Wan Hong (JWH) ointment, and three treatment groups with high dose (2.52 g·kg-1), medium dose (1.26 g·kg-1), and low dose (0.63 g·kg-1) of total flavonoids from B. balsamifera. During 10 consecutive days of treatment, the therapeutic effects of rates were evaluated. On day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, and day 10 after treatment, skin samples were taken from all the rats for further study. Significant increases of granulation tissue, fibroblast, and capillary vessel proliferation were observed at day 7 in the high dose and positive control groups, compared with the model group, with the method of 4% paraformaldehyde for histopathological examination and immunofluorescence staining. To reveal the action mechanisms of total flavonoids on wound healing, the levels of CD68, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and hydroxyproline were measured at different days. Results showed that total flavonoids had significant effects on rat skin excisional wound healing compared with controls, especially high dose ones (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total flavonoid extract was investigated phytochemically, and twenty-seven compounds were identified from the total flavonoid sample by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry/diode array detector (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/DAD), including 16 flavonoid aglucons, five flavonoid glycosides (main peaks in chromatogram), five chlorogenic acid analogs, and 1 coumarin. Reports show that flavonoid glycoside possesses therapeutic effects of curing wounds by inducing neovascularization, and chlorogenic acid also has anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities; we postulated that all the ingredients in total flavonoids sample maybe exert a synergetic effect on wound curing. Accompanied with detection of four growth factors, the upregulation of these key growth factors may be the mechanism of therapeutic activities of total flavonoids. The present study confirmed undoubtedly that flavonoids were the main active constituents that contribute to excisional wound healing, and suggested its action mechanism of improving expression levels of growth factors at different healing phases.

NIR Rapid Assessments of Blumea balsamifera (Ai-na-xiang) in China.

Blumea balsamifera (Ai-na-xiang) is used as an important plant source of natural borneol, which is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to establish the methods based on near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for determining the geographical origin of B. balsamifera, as well as developing a method for the quantitative rapid analysis of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). A total of 109 samples were collected from China in 2013 and arbitrarily divided into calibration and prediction sets using the Kennard-Stone algorithm. The l-borneol and total flavone contents of the samples were measured by gas chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The NIR spectra were acquired using an integrating sphere and a partial least squares (PLS) model was built using the optimum wavelength regions, which were selected using a synergy interval partial least-squares (SiPLS) algorithm. The root mean square errors of prediction of the l-borneol and total flavone models were 0.0779 and 2.2694 mg/g, with R² of 0.9069 and 0.8013, respectively. A discriminant model to determine the geographical origin of B. balsamifera (Guizhou and Hainan) was also established using a partial least squares discriminant analysis method with an optimum pretreatment method. The prediction accuracy rate of the model was 100%. NIR spectroscopy can be used as a reliable and environmentally friendly method to determine the API and the origin of different B. balsamifera samples.

Variations in Essential Oil Yield, Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of Different Plant Organs from Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. at Different Growth Times.

Blumea balsamifera, also named Ainaxiang, is widely used as an ancient medicinal herb in tropical and subtropical Asia. It is rich in essential oils. In this work the essential oils of B. balsamifera from different plant organs and in different months were extracted, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that essential oil yield of young leaves was the highest (0.65 mL/100 g), followed by mature leaves (0.57 mL/100 g), and the oil yield was higher in October (0.47 mL/100 g) than other months. A total of 44 compounds were identified, representing 92.64%-96.71% of the oil. Eighteen common chemical components were found among the six plant organs, representing >80% of the oil constituents. l-borneol was the main ingredient in leaves, and its content was the highest in senescent leaves and in December. In the essential oils of young shoots and young stems, the main component was dimethoxydurene. Antioxidant activity was also determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ß-carotene bleaching (BCB) assays. The results indicated that the ß-carotene bleaching activity was far stronger than the DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, and the young leaves and young shoots showed stronger antioxidant activity. Dimethoxydurene, ß-caryophyllene, and α-caryophyllene play a positive role in good antioxidant activity, while ß-eudesmol, phytol, and tetradecanal play a negative role. The antioxidant activity revealed in this study might help in developing this promising bioresource for use in the medicinal and cosmetic industries.

Blumea balsamifera Oil for the Acceleration of Healing of Burn Injuries.

Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO) is a main extract obtained from Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC (Ainaxiang) leaves, which are widely used as a traditional medicine by the Miao and Li Nations to promote skin trauma or burn injury healing. This study was initiated to investigate the healing efficacy in deep second-degree burn model in rats. The rats were treated by BBO for 21 consecutive days. The rate of healing, scabs dropped time and re-epithelialization time were observed every three days for 21 days after burn injury. The samples were collected from different treated rats by sacrificing the animals on the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 9th, 14th, and 21st day post-burn creation. Then, the water content of burn tissue was measured. Plasma interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were evaluated, and the tissue expressions of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) were determined along with skin histopathology. The results showed that the water content of tissue was significantly reduced, the scabs dropped time shortened, and healing accelerated after treatment with BBO in the burn injury rats. Furthermore, the expressions of growth factors were significantly increased in the tissue; however, the levels of inflammatory factors on plasma decreased. This study confirms the efficacy of BBO consumption on burn injuries.

Effect of genotype and environment on five bioactive components of cultivated licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) populations in northern China.

Methods to improve the bioactive component content of cultivated licorice have become the bottleneck of industrial licorice extraction for pharmaceutical use. To evaluate the effects of genotype, environment and their interaction on major bioactive components, we analyzed the five bioactive components: liquiritin (LQ), liquiritigenin (LQG), glycyrrhizin (GL), isoliquiritin (ILQ) and isoliquiritigenin (ILQG) of four diverse licorice varieties grown in four distinct environments in northern China during 2010-11. Analysis of variance showed that environmental and genotypic effects were significant (p<0.01) for all five bioactive components. Additionally, their interaction was significant (p<0.05) for GL in the 2-year study period. LQ and ILQ were mainly affected by genetic factors and have great potential for genetic improvement, whereas LQG and ILQG were mainly affected by environmental factors. GL was similarly affected by environmental and genetic factors. Biplot of the principal component analysis showed that for quality breeding, G2 (WNT-1) and G3 (JX-1) are two relatively preferable genotypes, and E2 (Chifeng) location is suitable for accumulation of the bioactive components of these two genotypes. Stepwise regression analysis showed that sunshine and rainfall are the dominant environmental factors for licorice bioactive component accumulation; increased duration of sunshine is advantageous to GL accumulation whereas declining rainfall is conducive to LQG and ILQG accumulation. These results provide a theoretical basis for initiating licorice breeding programs with increased bioactive components and improved quality.

External application of the volatile oil from Blumea balsamifera may be safe for liver--a study on its chemical composition and hepatotoxicity.

Ainaxiang (Blumea balsamifera), also known as Sambong, is an important ancient medicinal herb in Southeast Asia. It is rich in volatile oil, and still widely used nowadays for skin wound healing and treatment of sore throats. We analyzed the volatile oil from Blumea balsamifera (BB oil) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Forty one components, including l-borneol, were identified. Next, the damaging effects of BB oil diluted with olive oil on liver at different concentrations (100%, 50%, 20%), were evaluated, using both normal and wounded skin. Plasma ALT, AST, ALP and TBili were assessed, along with liver histopathology. The results showed that serum levels of liver toxicity markers in the high concentration groups (100% w/v) increased compared with control groups, whereas no significant changes was observed in histopathology of liver samples. In the wound groups, treatment with BB oil resulted in a decrease in serum toxicity index, compared with normal animal groups. This study confirms the safety of short term BB oil consumption, though high BB oil doses may lead to mild liver injury and this response might be weakened in the case of cutaneous wounds. These results are expected to be helpful for guiding appropriate therapeutic use of BB oil.

Effect of genotype and environment on five bioactive components of cultivated licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis FISCH.) populations in northern China.

Methods to improve the bioactive component content of cultivated licorice have become the bottleneck of industrial licorice extraction for pharmaceutical use. To evaluate the effects of genotype, environment and their interaction on major bioactive components, we analyzed the five bioactive components: liquiritin (LQ), liquiritigenin (LQG), glycyrrhizin (GL), isoliquiritin (ILQ) and isoliquiritigenin (ILQG) of four diverse licorice varieties grown in four distinct environments in northern China during 2010-11. Analysis of variance showed that environmental and genotypic effects were significant (P<0.01) for all five bioactive components. Additionally, their interaction was significant (P<0.05) for GL in the 2-year study period. LQ and ILQ were mainly affected by genetic factors and have great potential for genetic improvement, whereas LQG and ILQG were mainly affected by environmental factors. GL was similarly affected by environmental and genetic factors. Biplot of the principal component analysis showed that for quality breeding, G2 (WNT-1) and G3 (JX-1) are two relatively preferable genotypes, and E2 (Chifeng) location is suitable for accumulation of the bioactive components of these two genotypes. Stepwise regression analysis showed that sunshine and rainfall are the dominant environmental factors for licorice bioactive component accumulation; increased duration of sunshine is advantageous to GL accumulation whereas declining rainfall is conducive to LQG and ILQG accumulation. These results provide a theoretical basis for initiating licorice breeding programs with increased bioactive components and improved quality.

Blumea balsamifera--a phytochemical and pharmacological review.

The main components of sambong (Blumea balsamifera) are listed in this article. The whole plant and its crude extracts, as well as its isolated constituents, display numerous biological activities, such as antitumor, hepatoprotective, superoxide radical scavenging, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammation, anti-plasmodial, anti-tyrosinase, platelet aggregation, enhancing percutaneous penetration, wound healing, anti-obesity, along with disease and insect resistant activities. Although many experimental and biological studies have been carried out, some traditional uses such as rheumatism healing still need to be verified by scientific pharmacological studies, and further studies including phytochemical standardization and bioactivity authentication would be beneficial.

Rabies-virus-glycoprotein-pseudotyped recombinant baculovirus vaccine confers complete protection against lethal rabies virus challenge in a mouse model.

Rabies virus has been an ongoing threat to humans and animals. Here, we developed a new strategy to generate a rabies virus vaccine based on a pseudotyped baculovirus. The recombinant baculovirus (BV-RVG/RVG) was pseudotyped with the rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) and also simultaneously expressed another RVG under the control of the immediate early CMV promoter. In vitro, this RVG-pseudotyped baculovirus vector induced syncytium formation in insect cells and displayed more efficient gene delivery into mammalian cells. Mice immunized with BV-RVG/RVG developed higher levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies, and conferred 100% protection against rabies viral challenge. These data indicate that the RVG-pseudotyped baculovirus BV-RVG/RVG can be used as an alternative strategy to develop a safe and efficacious vaccine against the rabies virus.